Filter cartridge and methods of making and using

Abstract

A filter cartridge includes a first end component, a second end component, and filter media positioned between the first end component and the second end component is provided. The filter media maintains separation between the first end component and the second end component to allow for air flow through the filter media. The first end component includes at least two receptors and the second end component includes at least one protrusion configured to interface with the at least two receptors to hold the first end component and the second end component in the same relative position with respect to each other when a torque is applied to the filter cartridge. The cartridge is assembled together by adhesive binding the filter media to the first end component and the second end component.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A filter cartridge comprising:
 a first end component, a second end component, and a filter media positioned between the first end component and the second end component, the filter media maintaining separation between the first end component and the second end component to allow for air flow through the filter media;   wherein the first end component includes at least two receptors and the second end component includes at least one protrusion configured to interface with the at least two receptors to hold the first end component and the second end component in the same relative position with respect to each other when a torque is applied to the filter cartridge;   wherein the cartridge is assembled together by adhesive binding the filter media to the first end component and the second end component.   
     
     
         2 . The filter cartridge of  claim 1 , wherein the first end component includes at least 3 slots and the second end component includes at least 3 corresponding protrusions. 
     
     
         3 . The filter cartridge of  claim 1 , wherein the first end component and the second end component include a series of projections that partially cover the filter media to protect the filter media from damage when the filter cartridge is handled. 
     
     
         4 . The filter cartridge of  claim 3 , wherein the projections comprise an undulating pattern. 
     
     
         5 . The filter cartridge of  claim 1 , wherein the cartridge is assembled together with only the adhesive binding the filter media to the first end component and the second end component. 
     
     
         6 . The filter cartridge of  claim 1 , wherein a fitting is included on at least one of the first and second end components to allow the filter cartridge to be attached onto a base. 
     
     
         7 . The filter cartridge of  claim 6 , wherein the fitting is configured to allow the filter cartridge to be attached to the base by twisting. 
     
     
         8 . The filter cartridge of  claim 6 , wherein the base comprises a facemask. 
     
     
         9 . The filter cartridge of  claim 6 , wherein the base comprises an interface with a hose. 
     
     
         10 . The filter cartridge of  claim 9 , wherein the hose attaches to a powered air purification device. 
     
     
         11 . The filter cartridge of  claim 9 , wherein the hose attaches to a ventilator device. 
     
     
         12 . The filter cartridge of  claim 6 , wherein the base comprises an interface with a flat plate with a cutout. 
     
     
         13 . The filter cartridge of  claim 6 , wherein one of the first and second end component including the fitting includes a gasket interface. 
     
     
         14 . The filter cartridge of  claim 13 , wherein the gasket interface comprises a groove configured to receive an O-ring gasket to seal between the filter cartridge and the base. 
     
     
         15 . The filter cartridge of  claim 13 , wherein the gasket interface comprises a circular flat gasket attached to one of the first and second end components. 
     
     
         16 . A filter cartridge that comprises
 a first end component, a second end component, and a filter media positioned between the first end component and the second end component, the filter media maintaining separation between the first end component and the second end component to allow for air flow through the filter media;   wherein the first end component and the second end component include a series of projections that partially cover the filter media to protect the filter media from damage when the filter cartridge is handled.   
     
     
         17 . The filter cartridge of  claim 16 , wherein the projections comprise an undulating pattern. 
     
     
         18 . The filter cartridge of  claim 16 , wherein the first end component includes at least two slots and the second end component includes at least one protrusion configured to interface with the at least two slots to hold the first end component and the second end component in the same relative position with respect to each other when a torque is applied to the filter cartridge. 
     
     
         19 . The filter cartridge of  claim 18 , wherein the first end component includes at least 3 slots and the second end component includes at least 3 corresponding protrusions. 
     
     
         20 . The filter cartridge of  claim 16 , wherein a fitting is included on at least one of the end components to allow the filter cartridge to be attached onto a base. 
     
     
         21 . The filter cartridge of  claim 20 , wherein the base comprises a facemask. 
     
     
         22 . A filter cartridge comprising:
 a first end component, a second end component, and filter media positioned between the first end component and the second end component, the filter media maintaining separation between the first end component and the second end component to allow for air flow through the filter media;   wherein the first end component includes at least one protrusion configured to interface with second end component to resist compression of the first end component towards the second end component other during use;   wherein the cartridge is assembled together by adhesive binding the filter media to the first end component and the second end component.   
     
     
         23 . A filter cartridge for mounting to a facemask, the filter cartridge comprising:
 a first end component having a first diameter;   a second end component having a second end diameter that is greater than the first diameter; and   a filter media positioned between the first end component and the second end component, the filter media maintaining separation between the first end component and the second end component to allow for air flow through the filter media, the filter media having a tapered outer profile from the first end component toward the second end component.